Mrs. Fred Goes to China

Note: This post was written before my departure, but I did not want people knowing I was leaving the country until after I returned. I will write more about the trip in the coming weeks.

Todd and I have teased our children and grandchildren for years when they constantly ask, “Where’s Mom–or Grandma?” He always tells them she went to China. Imagine their confusion next week when I actually do.

I applied for Huntington University’s Summer Residency Program for TESOL and thrilled to learn they accepted my application. I have the privilege of teaching workshops at a public school district’s conference on creative techniques for writing instruction. Part of my responsibility is to teach lessons in their middle school to seventh and eighth graders preparing for their English tests. I’ll also observe and assess their English teachers while they present lessons in English. I could not be happier about this opportunity.

My OCD has admittedly kicked in, and I’ve managed to stretch packing out over weeks. I’m very grateful for the space to spread out with a guest room dedicated to the neurosis. Never having traveled abroad, each little detail sends me into a fit of over-analysis, but perhaps none more than the squatty potty dilemma. A picture is worth a thousand words. Yes, I’d appreciate your prayers, and YES, I will carry hand sanitizer.

I think I’m most excited about the adventure itself. As my husband points out to me whenever I get nervous, the nature of adventure is being uncomfortable. I look forward to all I will learn and pray for an open heart and mind to be taught more than I teach.

…and that’s the view from My Front Porch.